Karan Johar: Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) is a mental health condition where individuals become obsessively concerned with perceived imperfections in their appearance, even if these flaws are minor or invisible to others. This preoccupation often leads to significant distress, causing sufferers to avoid social situations due to feelings of nervousness, embarrassment, and shame. People with BDD may spend several hours each day worrying about their appearance and engage in repetitive behaviors like grooming, mirror-checking, or seeking validation. These behaviors can severely disrupt daily activities and overall quality of life.
In a recent interview with Faye D’Souza, acclaimed filmmaker and director Karan Johar candidly discussed his personal battle with body dysmorphia, revealing how it has affected his self-esteem and mental health for years. “I have body dysmorphia. I am very awkward getting into a pool. I don’t know how to do it without feeling pathetic. I’ve tried very hard to overcome it. No matter what the success you achieve, no matter who you think you are in your own head, I’m always in oversized clothes. Even if I lose the weight, and I try very hard, I’m always battling with it, but I’m always feeling I’m fat. So I don’t want you to see any part of my body,” Johar shared.
Subheading: Symptoms and Experiences of Body Dysmorphia
Body dysmorphic disorder is characterized by several symptoms, including:
- An intense preoccupation with perceived defects in appearance that others cannot see or consider minor. Individuals with BDD often believe they have a flaw that makes them look ugly or deformed.
- A strong belief that others notice and mock their appearance in a negative light.
- Engaging in behaviors aimed at correcting or hiding the perceived imperfection, such as frequent mirror-checking, grooming, or skin picking.
- Attempting to conceal perceived flaws through styling, makeup, or clothing, and constantly comparing their looks to others.
Karan Johar elaborated on his struggle, saying, “Nothing has changed since I was eight. I self-body shame myself all the time. The day you feel you’re looking good…doesn’t matter what you’ve achieved. Even in situations of intimacy, I need to put the lights out. I’ve been to therapy for it. All these issues…all fester and create mental health issues. I even took medication after suffering from a panic attack.”
Subheading: Raising Awareness and Seeking Help
Johar’s openness about his experience with body dysmorphia highlights the importance of acknowledging and addressing mental health issues. By sharing his story, he aims to raise awareness about BDD and encourage others who may be suffering in silence to seek help. Therapy and medication can be crucial in managing the disorder, helping individuals lead healthier and more fulfilling lives.
The conversation around body dysmorphia underscores the need for greater understanding and support for mental health conditions, reminding us that even successful and accomplished individuals can struggle with these challenges.
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